Cuisine

Ramen (일본라면 전문식당)

District

Jongno (종로구) , Seoul

Address

Seoul Jongno-gu Jahamunro7-gil 5

Quick read

Why go

Near Seochon.

Best for

A focused meal stop

Visit tip

Expect possible waits during weekends or peak meal times.

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Near Seochon. Kanda Soba near Gyeongbokgung Palace is a Busan-born mazesoba and ramen specialist that has earned recognition in national ramen competitions and stands alongside Menya Hanabi as one of the two defining names in Korea's mazesoba scene. The mazesoba here uses a lighter, less oily sauce than its main competitor, shifting the flavor emphasis toward meat and katsuobushi bonito depth. A practical tip is to drizzle a little vinegar over the noodles before mixing to sharpen the texture, and one or two spoonfuls of raw garlic elevate the overall flavor profile significantly. The essential finishing step is mixing complimentary rice into the remaining sauce after the noodles are gone, producing a richly seasoned rice that delivers an entirely separate taste from the noodle course. Pork rind topping is the house specialty, tender and satisfyingly chewy, though some diners find it pairs better with the aburasoba than the standard mazesoba due to the latter's heavier sauce. The aburasoba itself offers a different appeal, with garlic chives and spiced oil building deep savory complexity. The ie-ke ramen features a thick tonkotsu-based broth, though its salt level runs high and may not suit every palate. The gyoza tends toward greasy and draws mixed reviews. Plum soda or sparkling water makes an effective counterpoint to the richness of any noodle order. The ordering process runs through a kiosk with prepayment, producing a receipt and queue number, and all-counter seating keeps the line moving. Weekend waits can stretch beyond an hour, and there is no on-site parking, requiring use of nearby public or private lots.